This easy-to-read book features:
- history of data usage by man
- positive possibilities of big data analysis
- dangers
E.g. in the 18th century, an injured marine officer started to extract data from rotten log books. He captured currents and winds on various sea routes depending on the season, and compiled the information into new route suggestions that saved enormous sailing time for trading vessels.
Today, Google utilizes search pattern analysis and geodata to forecast epidemics. UPS uses motor data of their vehicle fleet to predict optimal service intervals per vehicle and thereby successfully reduces vehicle down times and maintenance costs.
The core principles of nowadays big data analysis are described and illustrated by many more astonishing examples.